Bikes, Trains & Automobiles: A Guide to the Elmhurst Commute

Many new home buyers who move to Elmhurst are drawn in by the ease of the commute. Elmhurt's proximity to highways, airports, and train travel make it a perfect place for home base. 

 

It takes just minutes to get to most major highways, including:

 

 

When traffic is light, O'Hare Airport can be reached in just 16 minutes from Elmhurst City Centre, and travelers can get to Midway Airport from City Centre in under 30 minutes.

 

Elmhurst's train station, located right in the center of town, makes commuting to Chicago quick and easy. The Metra offers many options for getting to the city both in the morning and evening, including express trains, as well as other options throughout the day. Stops in suburbs both east and west of Elmhurst are also along the Metra route. 

 

The train station boasts it's own coffee shop within its walls, Pilot Pete's, as well as many restaurants, shops and other businesses within walking distance of the train station. 

 

The City of Elmhurst is in the process of renovating the Elmhurst metra station and recently completed design renderings that increase seating, include interior vendor space, and update the appearance of the station both inside and out. Construction is expected to begin in 2023.

 

Design alternatives were discussed at a July 2021 board meeting, including this popular option:

 

 

Whether you're looking for a place to leave your car when you hop on the train or you work in Elmhurst, the city tries to make parking convenient for shoppers, employees and commuters.

 

For those taking the train, there are many all-day parking spots available for $2 a day, including on the top level of the Adelaide & Schiller Parking Decks, the upper levels of the Larch Parking Deck and along the Metra Railway. Permits can be purchased monthly, quarterly, or annually. A parking map is available at city hall for those with permits/passes. 

 

For those working in Elmhurst, full-time employees can obtain parking permits monthly, quarterly, or annually. Parking spots are not reserved/guaranteed, but permits can be used in all reserved parking areas, including daily fee spots. Parttime employees working less than 25 hours per week can acquire permits for free parking. Spots are not reserved/guaranteed. If no spots are available, part-time employees can pay the $2 daily parking fee. 

 

Elmhurst is currently working on increasing parking availability to ensure all visitors have easy access to parking spots. The city's website, newsletter, and parking signage will communicate these changes once they are finalized. 

 

Parking fees can be paid at parking area pay stations, through the city (for permits), or through Passport Parking (630-581-2445). The parking zone number for Elmhurst is our zip code, 60126. (Note: there is currently a one-time minimal transaction fee of less than one dollar). 

 

Questions about employee parking in Elmhurst can be directed to the city's finance department  630-530-3117. Maps are available at Elmhurst's City Hall. 

 

Elmhurst is committed to making biking a convenient and safe way to get around town. Elmhurst has its own Bicycle Task Force and is working toward a Bike and Pedestrian Plan Initiative as well. The new train station plan includes additional bike storage as well. 

 

Elmhurst offers a couple of unique ways to get around town as well, including its own Elmhurst Express Trolley and the Elmhurst Pedicab. 

 

With over 70 years serving the Elmhurst community, LW Reedy knows the Elmhurst commute.

 

Contact us with your questions about getting around Elmhurst or to the city, the Elmhurst community or, of course, buying or selling your home.